Here’s a quick and easy homemade bread recipe that doesn’t require hours of rising or fancy techniques—perfect for beginners or when you want fresh bread fast.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for softer bread)
Instructions
- Activate yeast (if using active dry yeast):
- Mix yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Skip this step if using instant yeast.
- Mix the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add yeast mixture (or water if using instant yeast) and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead:
- Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- First rise (optional for quicker bread, you can skip or shorten):
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest 20–30 minutes.
- Shape and bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool:
- Let bread cool 10–15 minutes before slicing.
✅ Tips for success:
- Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast properly.
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder, herbs, or shredded cheese to the dough.
- Store bread in a sealed bag or container to keep it soft for 2–3 days.
If you want, I can also give a super-fast 1-hour no-knead bread version that’s even simpler and still soft and fluffy. It’s almost foolproof. Do you want me to share that version too?
